The request for a TIN (Tax Identification Number) is a regulatory requirement of the European Union (EU). Under the EU Savings Directive, banks are required by law to report the TIN, as well as other relevant information, on an annual basis to the appropriate national tax authority. Usually, EU countries use TINs to identify taxpayers in order to facilitate the administration in managing their national tax affairs.
Ireland issues TINs in the form of a PPSN (Personal Public Service Number), which is issued by the Department of Social Protection and is used by the Revenue Commissioners to identify taxpayers.
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